Persistent Vigilance: A Century and a Half of Lifeboat Crews' Enduring Service - Century-long Endurance: A Story of Perseverance Spanning Six Generations
A Century and a Half of Maritime Rescue: The Endeavors of the DGzRS
For the past 160 years, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS) has stood ready, round-the-clock, to aid sailors, anglers, or any individuals in distress along the German coastline. But it wasn't always this way - discover how the DGzRS revolutionized maritime rescue operations and overcame numerous challenges.
A Pre-DGzRS Maritime Rescue: A Tale of Isolation and Fatalities
Before the DGzRS was established, maritime rescues in the German waters were a haphazard endeavor. The coastal population lacked the necessary equipment and resources to respond to emergencies at sea. Consequently, there was little interest in the welfare of shipwreck survivors. Many even believed that accidents at sea were a matter of divine intervention.
The Founding of an Organized Maritime Rescue: The DGzRS' Birth
In the face of numerous shipping disasters and the concomitant loss of life, navigation teacher Adolph Bermpohl and lawyer Carl Kuhlmay could no longer stand idle. Decrying the lack of action, they declared it was time to establish rescue stations along Germany's coasts. Their call to action was heeded, and on May 29, 1865, the DGzRS was officially founded in Kiel.
The Early Struggles of the DGzRS
In the initial years, the DGzRS encountered many challenges. Securing funding, volunteers, and equipment was no easy task. Regional associations were lacking at many coastal locations, especially in the Baltic Sea region. However, the DGzRS persevered, eventually expanding across the German coastline with over 100 rescue stations in place within 25 years.
Initially, the DGzRS relied on foreign rowing lifeboats, but these were too heavy for Germany's sandy beaches. Thus, the association began to develop its own boats, outfitted with special air chambers and water flaps to facilitate rescues under challenging conditions.
Evolution of the DGzRS Fleet
The motorization of the rescue fleet began in 1911, with the boats being covered to protect the crew from water. In 1957, the "Theodor Heuss," an innovative lifesaver equipped with a daughter boat for shallow waters, entered service. Today's ships are capable of righting themselves in high waves, and new designs are currently underway. Plastic boats, similar to the iconic BMW children's car, are being produced to ensure durability and efficiency.
A Growing Fleet: Past and Present
The DGzRS has been home to an extensive fleet comprising around 200 rowing lifeboats, 70 motor lifeboats, 50 rescue cruisers with tender boats, and 90 rescue boats over the years. These vessels are typically kept in service for around 30 years before being decommissioned and sold or donated, often to other rescue organizations or the offshore industry. Nevertheless, maintaining these vessels requires a constant commitment, as they are always manned by four crew members around the clock to ensure their readiness.
Changing Rescue Methods
Once, rescuers would try to provide help from land using rockets to launch life rings. Only if this approach proved unsuccessful would they venture out to sea in rowboats, often battling storms and currents for hours or even days to reach those in distress. The rescuers themselves would return soaked to the skin, having braved strenuous and dangerous conditions.
Today, the DGzRS crews are stationed on board rescue vessels for 14 days at a stretch, living either on the ship or onshore near the port. They must possess the skills to steer the ship, operate the machinery, and provide first aid. Yet, they are no longer required to row against the waves during every rescue mission, as modern technology allows them to be mobilized more swiftly and effectively.
A Lasting Impact: A Century of Lives Saved
Each year, the DGzRS assists around 3,000 to 3,500 people on the North and Baltic Seas, not all of whom find themselves in peril. Rescuers transport the sick, injured, or those requiring assistance with technical issues to the mainland. Since its founding, the DGzRS has saved more than 87,300 lives.
Life and death typically go hand in hand for the rescuers, as they must often retrieve bodies from the water and witness the passing of those they couldn't save. So far, 45 rescuers have lost their lives while on duty. The latest fatal incident occurred 30 years ago, as the rescue cruiser "Alfried Krupp" ran aground on its return to Borkum, resulting in the loss of two crew members.
All rescue missions are voluntary, with the DGzRS emphasizing that no one is forced to expose themselves to danger. Despite the risks, none of the rescuers would choose to stay on land during emergencies. The dangers are well-understood, and they are accepted as part of the job by both the rescuers and their families.
The Face of the DGzRS: Fishermen, Sailors, and Pilots
Historically, fishermen, sailors, and pilots made up the majority of the DGzRS crews. Many simply joined the service by word of mouth, without any formal recruitment process. Today, the crew still reflects this tradition, with many long-standing members having served for decades. The team now consists of approximately 800 volunteers and 180 full-time employees, with a growing number of women among the ranks.
Continuously evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century, the DGzRS faces a multitude of new challenges, ranging from increasing sea traffic to the expansion of offshore wind farms and the ensuing need for specialized rescue equipment. In an increasingly complex maritime environment, the DGzRS remains dedicated to its mission: saving lives at sea.
The steel industry could potentially collaborate with the DGzRS, as the latter requires durable and efficient boats for its rescues. Such boats, similar to the iconic BMW children's car, could be designed using advanced steel production techniques.
Furthermore, the success and growth of the DGzRS have parallels in other sectors, including sports. The organization, much like a sports team, needs unity, perseverance, and adaptability to overcome challenges and achieve its mission - saving lives at sea.
